Wisam al-Mubarak al-Kabir (the Order of Mubarak the Great): founded by Amir Sabah III on 16th July 1974. Awarded in two classes (1. Qiladat al-Mubarak al-Kabir - Collar of Mubarak the Great, conferred on Heads of State only, and 2. Qashahal-Mubarak al-Kabir - Grand Cordon, conferred on Kuwaiti and foreign Heirs Apparent and senior Princes). The insignia of the order were completely re-designed and the ribbon colours altered in 1992.

Wisam al-Kuwait (the Order of Kuwait): founded by Amir Sabah III on 16th July 1974. Reformed and modified 1991. Awarded in a superior class (Grand Cordon or Special Class) reserved for Princes and Heads of Government and five ordinary classes (1. First Class, 2.Second Class, 3. Third Class, 4. Fourth Class, and 5. Fifth Class). The insignia of the order were completely re-designed and the ribbon colours changed in 1992.

The Order of Kuwait - Fourth Class, breast badge, type I (L) and type II (R).

The Order of National Defence: founded by Shaikh 'Abdullah III in 1962 to reward long and distinguished military service in the cause of national defence and independence. Awarded in three classes.Copyrightę Christopher Buyers

The Order of National Defence - Second Class, breast badge.

Wisam al-Iftiqhar al-Askari (the Order of Military Distinction): founded Shaikh 'Abdullah III in 1962 to reward bravery and distinguished service in the Kuwait Defence Force and Kuwait Police Force. Awarded in three classes.

Copyrightę Christopher Buyers

The Order of Military Distinction - Second Class, breast badge.

Wisam al-Tahrir (the Order of the Liberation): founded by Shaikh Jabir III in 1993 to recognise the services of Kuwaiti and allied personnel during the war for the liberation of Kuwait from the occupying Iraqi forces. Awarded in five classes.Copyrightę Christopher Buyers

The Order of the Liberation - First Class, neck badge.

The Order of the Liberation - Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Classes breast badges (left to right).

The Military Service Medal: instituted by Shaikh 'Abdullah III in 1962 to recognise distinguished services by members of the Kuwait Defence Forces, Kuwait Police Force, paramilitary forces and civilians in the service of these forces or attached to them. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class in gold, 2. Second Class in silver, and 3. Third Class in bronze).Copyrightę Christopher Buyers

The Military Service Medal - First, Second and Third Class, obverse with service stars.

Wisam al-Majlis (the Parliamentary Medal): instituted by Shaikh Jabir III to recognise the services of members of the Kuwaiti Parliament, its officers and servants. Awarded in a singl class. Copyrightę Christopher Buyers

I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at:Copyrightę Christopher Buyers